Enchanted by a musical trio, we joined a crowd as they danced, swayed and tapped their feet to the beat. The international language of joy spread across everyone’s face.
Situated next to the Roman Forum, musical notes suspended us in a moment. The entertainers beamed at their audience’s response. As I tapped my feet, I realised how few people placed money in the guitar case, and no one would part with ten euros to buy the compilation. Many people expected the impromptu entertainment to be free.
The Tryo must have spent a lifetime perfecting their art and teasing out every single note. I tried to imagine their stories. Who were the loves of their lives? How did they manage perform the music with such soul? As a gesture of kindness from a writer to musicians, I decided to pay the ten euros for the CD. The trio smiled again but looked a little surprised. My action prompted a few others to buy the music. I do believe that people had forgotten that we can’t always expect to be entertained for free. Alas, other people continued to record the music on their phones and never looked up. However, I did hear the happy clang of coins hitting the guitar as I walked away.
Listening to the CD at home takes me back to Rome and a moment that bonded a diverse group of people in the city of Romance. This weekend, I was suspended in another moment of joy when readers, across the world, paid ninety nine pence for ‘You Can’t Go It Alone’. My book climbed the charts, and I performed my happy dance. I imagined the coins falling into my handbag ready for me to buy a coffee and another book.
I do wish I could gather the readers of my novel together, smile at them and say thank you to them for buying my words. I would love to be able to invite the readers to the Olive Tree Café, in You Can’t Go It Alone, and ask Rosa, Olivia and Matteo to perform music for them.
Wishing you all moments of joy.
Please see all my adventures at Handbag Adventures.
Like many others, musicians have been hit so badly during the last 18 months, and every CD sale or tip will be very much appreciated.
Let’s hope the market recovers. I would have expected people to buy CDs during lockdown as it is a great way to escape.
Oh Jessie, I’m tossing a handful of smiles and hugs into your handbag! Here’s to joy…and success!
I enjoyed revisiting Rome and writing this. I have been listening to the music I bought today. Lovely! The sun is shining too. Thanks for you good wishes. x
I have been in the garden too. Isn’t it great to work outside in the autumn sunshine.
A lovely post Jessie. I hope you continue to sell lots of books. x
You are so kind. Many thanks! I hope you are enjoying the colours of Autumn.
Yes. I am off outside very shortly. Getting my garden into shape for winter.
You make some important points here Jessie. I too enjoyed some wonderful free music at the Forum in Rome last year. There did not appear to be anything available to buy at that time but my videos of the place were made quite magical by the music that was being played, almost as a backdrop to the surroundings. I will certainly be more aware next time after reading your thoughts on this. I really love your concluding thoughts here.
Best wishes,
Anita
Thanks for dropping by to visit and share the moments. Rome is magical and I never tire of it. Have a lovely day! x